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Hypertrophic Scar Treatment in Miami, FL

Many of us have hypertrophic scars that we’d love to get rid of. If you want the most advanced hypertrophic scar treatment available in the field today, visit Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute where board-certified dermatologist Jill Waibel, MD, FACS, provides her South Florida patients with the latest developments in scar revision therapy. Dr. Waibel and her team of specialists serve residents of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Kendall, and nearby communities.

Among the most common scar types, hypertrophic scars initially appear as raised, red scars that, by definition, do not extend beyond the site of the original injury. Their name comes from the fact that they stem from an excess (hyper) growth of collagen. Hypertrophic scars share many of the same underlying causes as keloids (see next section), and generally the same treatments work for both types of scars. Usually burn and trauma injuries heal with hypertrophic scars.
Deciphering between hypertrophic and keloid scars based on how they look under a microscope can be difficult. Therefore, it’s important to share the history of your scar with your dermatologist as completely and accurately as possible.
Keloids and hypertrophic scars differ in areas, such as when and where they form. In particular, hypertrophic scars usually occur within one to two months after the original injury, infection or improper wound closure. Most hypertrophic scars develop in body locations with high skin tension, such as the shoulders, back, central chest/sternum, knees and ankles. Eventually these scars will stop growing.

What are the signs of a hypertrophic scar?

Hypertrophic scars are raised, red and often itchy. They appear four to eight weeks after a skin injury or procedure, and typically grow quickly for up to eight months. They may flatten over a period that could last a few years. Post surgical hypertrophic scars are linear and follow the direction of the incision, while hypertrophic scars resulting from inflammatory and ulcerating lesions can be papular (small inflammatory bumps) or nodular (large raised bump).

Who is most susceptible to hypertrophic scarring?

Hypertrophic scarring affects men and women of all races equally, and are most often due to deeper injuries in the skin’s dermis.
If you want to diminish the appearance of hypertrophic scars anywhere on your body, contact Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jill Waibel for an evaluation and recommendation of how best to treat your problem scars. Our friendly office serves residents as well as visitors to the South Florida area in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Kendall, and adjacent areas.